The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus's Teaching

This post delves into a fascinating passage concerning Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles, drawing from early Christian writings. The narrative, found within the Ante-Nicene Fathers collection, offers insights into Jesus's actions and teachings during this significant Jewish festival.

The Context: Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, was a major Jewish festival. According to the text, "the feast of tabernacles of the Jews drew near." This sets the stage for the events that follow, providing a specific time and cultural context.

Jesus's Brothers' Challenge

The text highlights a conversation between Jesus and his brothers. They urged him to "Remove now hence, and go to Judæa, that thy disciples may see the deeds that thou doest." Their reasoning was pragmatic: "For no man doeth a thing secretly and wisheth to be apparent. If thou doest this, shew thyself to the world." This suggests a desire for Jesus to gain wider recognition and influence.

Jesus's Response: Timing and Purpose

Jesus's response is intriguing. He stated, "My time till now has not arrived; but as for you, your time is alway ready." He distinguished his own timing from that of his brothers, implying a divine schedule or purpose guiding his actions. He further added, "It is not possible for the world to hate you; but me it hateth, for I bear witness against it, that its deeds are evil." This reveals a sense of conflict and opposition between Jesus and the world, stemming from his condemnation of its wickedness. He subsequently told them to go up to the feast, adding that he would not go up "now" because his "time has not yet been completed."

A Journey of Concealment and Healing

The narrative continues, describing Jesus's eventual journey to Judæa. However, he "journeyed from Galilee, and came to the borders of Judæa, to the country beyond Jordan; and there came after him great multitudes, and he healed them all there." Despite his initial reluctance to publicly attend the feast, he still ministered to the people, performing acts of healing. Intriguingly, he proceeded "to the feast, not openly, but as one that conceals himself."

Murmurs and Debates

Once at the feast, the text recounts the divided opinions surrounding Jesus. "The Jews sought him at the feast, and said, In what place is this man?" There was "much murmuring there in the great multitude that came to the feast, on his account. For some said, He is good: and others said, Nay, but he leadeth the people astray." The fear of the Jews, however, prevented open discussion: "But no man spake of him openly for fear of the Jews."

Teaching in the Temple

The passage culminates with Jesus going "up to the temple, and taught." This act sparked further astonishment. "The Jews wondered, and said, How doth this man know writing, seeing he hath not learned?"

The Source of Jesus's Doctrine

Jesus then addressed the crowd, stating, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me." This declaration emphasizes the divine origin of his teachings. He further explained, "Whoever wisheth to do his will understandeth my doctrine, whether it be from God, or whether I speak of mine own accord." He contrasted those who sought praise for themselves with those who sought praise for the one who sent them, stating "whosoever seeketh praise for him that sent him, he is true, and unrighteousness in his heart there is none."

Conclusion

This passage offers a multi-faceted glimpse into Jesus's ministry. It showcases his complex relationship with his family, his awareness of divine timing, his acts of healing, and his bold teachings in the temple. The divided opinions surrounding him highlight the controversial nature of his claims and the fear that his presence inspired. Through this narrative, we gain a richer understanding of Jesus's character and his message within the context of the Feast of Tabernacles.